ThedaCare experts say the most effective weight-loss solution is often one that’s been tailor-made for an individual.
That approach may make the journey to a weight-loss solution more fruitful, said Dr. Benjamin Duffy, a board-certified Obesity Medicine Specialist with ThedaCare. That’s especially important as the rise in popularity and selections of GLP-1s becomes more difficult to ignore.
A 2024 Kaiser Family Foundation poll found that one in eight American adults had tried a GLP-1 agonist, a type of medication used to treat obesity. Common GLP-1 brand names include Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro.
“The attraction to this medication is easy to understand,” Dr. Duffy said. “GLP-1s typically are considered safe and can offer an effective solution for reaching individual weight-loss goals. They also provide additional benefits that can reduce the risk of other conditions including diabetes, heart disease and sleep apnea.”
How to Choose
There’s no denying the appeal and efficacy of GLP-1s but they’re not the only solution. Obesity is a chronic disease that requires a lifelong, multipronged approach, Dr. Duffy said.
The ThedaCare Weight Wellness program offers treatments that range from lifestyle modifications and lifestyle intervention programs to obesity medicine and bariatric surgery.
“Healthy eating habits and an active lifestyle are fundamental to any sustainable weight loss,” said Dr. Ray Georgen, a General Surgeon and Co-Medical Director of ThedaCare Bariatrics. “However, those alone often are not enough. Our multidisciplinary team can help people determine the best solutions for their individual circumstances.”
Medication vs. Bariatric Surgery
People with severe obesity may wonder whether a GLP-1 alone can help them reach their weight management goals or if they should consider surgery. The answer? It depends. Several factors may come into play in people’s decision-making. Cost, side effects, invasiveness and permanence of the treatment option are just a few.
Instead of thinking in terms of either medication or surgery, the answer may be a combination of both, Dr. Georgen said. People may arrive at a decision through different pathways.
GLP-1s and other anti-obesity medications can be a great place to start. Some people may find they work to reset habits in a way that leads to sustainable long-term weight loss. Others may struggle with some aspect of the medication, such as affordability, side effects or weight regain after stopping the drug.
“If anti-obesity medications no longer work for someone, we want them to know that bariatric surgery may be an option,” Dr. Georgen said. “We’ve also seen that a GLP-1 combined with surgery can work effectively for people.”
Anti-obesity medications can be used in combination with surgery in a few ways. This type of drug can assist with weight loss prior to surgery. This can enhance the safety of the procedure. Individuals also may use an anti-obesity medication if they experience weight regain following their surgery.
Bottom Line
“Regardless of what weight loss treatment option you choose, it’s important select a reputable program,” Dr. Duffy said. “Working with a multidisciplinary team leads to better long-term results.”
The ThedaCare Weight Wellness program offers a full slate of services and care. Depending on people’s needs, these include:
- Nutrition and dietitian support
- Exercise guidance
- Health coaching
- Intensive lifestyle coaching
- Obesity medicine care
- Bariatric surgery
Once an individual joins the program, the care team will work alongside them to guide them through their options, Dr. Duffy explained. For some people, a combination of treatments or strategies may work best.
“We treat obesity using an individualized approach,” he said. “Every person has a unique story, biology and set of goals. Our job is to find the right combination of tools – including lifestyle change, coaching, mental health support, medication and surgery – that work together in the long run.” Dr. Duffy encouraged people needing help with their weight loss journey to start with their primary care physician or contact the Bariatrics team at ThedaCare for weight loss solutions.
